Day 9

mangadang gabi (good evening)


This morning we arose to the alarming sound of Mr. Paul "The Fog Horn" Beacham, which sounded something like this " Time to get up! breakfast is ready in 5 minutes" which from our past experiences on this trip means roughly about 30 minutes!. As we were walking down the stairs we were aware of the fragrance of freshly sliced pineapple and mangos, toast and some magnificent scrambled eggs! So I suppose it was really worth listening to the Foghorn's voice. We all made sure we ate as much as possible so we would be fully energized for the big day ahead, which wasn't hard to do at all because the food is amazing!.

After breakfast was fully engulfed, we were then briefed on the activities the day would hold. Turns out that us fellas were going to smash out on the home that we have been constructing, while the girls got to play with the kids at the childrens home in an airconditioned room! Pretty unlucky for us you could say! But hey, we came on this trip to do some honest hard work!
All of us boys slip slop slapped, threw on some shoes and proceeded to the battle ground! We then armed ourselves with shovels and picks, ready to face the unrelentless piles of gravel! 5 minutes into the mixing of the concrete the sun was blistering down on our shoulders and necks but still we soldiered on! Meanwhile, the girls weren't even breaking a sweat reading childrens stories or what ever they got up to, haha.

Working with Kuya Randy we managed to get the concrete floors laid in 2 of the 3 rooms before lunch. This really made me think how great our group has really worked together and have really done our reputation as hard working Aussies proud.

The day really seemed to fly by. We looked at our watches and it was already time for lunch, another mouth watering meal, prepared by the awesome cooks that have been a real blessing to all of us!
The moment finally came, we all sat around the table and Paul "The Foghorn" Beacham said grace. It was like a slaughter house, we all had the same mission, which was to tuck into the chicken curry on a bed of rice, which was truly amazing!
Following the beautiful lunch we shared together we all met with the male workers from the Ministry Centre and shared our last bible study together. We were privileged in hearing Josh Watermann share his testimony to the troops, we were also privileged to hand each and every male worker a pair of Hard Yakka socks and some freshly shined work boots which Mrs Dardy (Mrs Tidy) spent weeks organizing. They were so happy to receive them, because in Manila to have work boots means that more people will want you to work for them, because it shows that you know your trade and you are experienced.

We also handed out all the clothes that people have been sorting out and leaving for the locals which was awesome to see. Kuya Randy looked fly because he had a brand spanking new pair of Addidas sports shoes and a brand new button up shirt -  you should of seen the look on his wife's face!

Off the boys wandered into the blistering heat again, while - get this.  Yes, the girls walked next door where there were a few local girls waiting to pamper them with things such as nails being painted and foot and leg massages left right and centre. But we weren't complaining, because we smashed out another room in the house. We still can't get over how much we have done on this house -  to think that the outside walls were knee high when we got here, to being completed with a roof and floors! It's amazing.

4 o' clock and it was time to head back to the Ministry Centre. We got back and noticed there were no girls in sight! You guessed it, they were still being pampered! 4 hours this lasted, unbelieveable. It was time for the boys to head out and distribute some food, clothes and toys for the youngsters. We all prepared ourselves for another long car ride! Turns out it was only 100 metres down the road which was awesome! When we arrived I thought to myself, there aren't as many people as I thought there would be. However, once the locals heard that there was food and clothes being given out they flocked in the hundreds, the smiles on peoples' faces was really the highlight of the day for most people.

Once we arrived back from the food distribution Mr. Beacham was awaiting us with airsoft guns. We spent a hour shooting each other with these things, bruises were handed out like hot cakes. There were commando rolls, epic slides and the odd "gangsta" pose just for the Americans on the trip.

Dinner was another masterpiece, pasta bake, salad, watermelon and some heavenly jelly and fruit.
After dinner it was time for Pastor "Pistol Pete" to share a short devotion with us, it was only short because it was now the turn for some of the teachers to jam into the back of a van and head out to get massages. It's 9:35 and I'm still waiting for my opportunity to get pampered. Some how I don't think its going to happen.
We decided to take the rest of this night to pack and prepare for the big day ahead!
Just a quick note, I've noticed a few comments asking about the "slang" that we have discovered over this trip, the main one being Mrs Dardy. I will clarify this with you now.  It all started on Wednesday when Mrs Tidy just completely pushed everyone aside, drew her pick and started to attack the solid clay at the building site like it was nothing. What a machine most thought, except for JONO.  He decided to call her Mrs Dardy, because Dardy is an Aboriginal word for good, so it kinda fits well,  Mrs Tidy/Mrs Dardy, it has an awesome ring to it. Now, imagine all of us guys cheering Mrs Dardy on with a slight indigenous accent whilst she is slashing through this clay like nothing.  What a champ.
We are currently hold a vote and we need all of you to help. Do you think Mrs Dardy should stick for an awesome nick name for Mrs. Tidy?
We also have a huge day of travel tomorrow and spending up big in the markets.  There have been quite a lot of people sick over the past couple of days, so we really need everyone's prayers as we head out to Brunei and would love if everyone who reads this blog sends a short message of encouragment.

God Bless and see you in a few days!

Jamie Mellor and Michael Noppers.

P.S We don't want Mr Puzey and Mr Pleysier to win the competion of who gets the most votes! So please get behind the students on this trip!
Thanks.